Medical Coverage
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for PennChoice if you are a full-time member of the University faculty or staff in a benefits eligible position.
Your dependents are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Dependent Life Insurance. Eligible dependents include:
- Your spouse or domestic partner.
- Your unmarried biological, adopted children and stepchildren up to the end of the month in which they reach age 19 (age 23 if enrolled as a full-time student generally in an accredited secondary school, college or university). Your spouse's or domestic partner's biological and/or adopted children are eligible if they meet the age and dependent criteria.
For information on verifying the eligibility of your dependents, click here. You can also consult the Health and Welfare Summary Plan Description for more information on covering eligible dependents.
When are you eligible?
Upon appointment for you and your eligible dependents. If you were hired on or before the 15th of the month, your medical, dental and vision insurance is effective the first day of the following month. If you were hired on or after the 16th of the month, your medical, dental and vision insurance is effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment.
How do you get coverage?
During your new employee eligibility period or the annual Open Enrollment period, you may enroll for medical coverage online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Penn’s online benefits enrollment site. You may also be eligible to make specific changes to your coverage at other times as the result of an employment status change or a qualifying life event change, such as a change in marital status or the arrival of a new child. If you have questions about Penn’s medical coverage options, or about how to make your benefits elections online, please contact the Penn Benefits Center at 1-888-PENN-BEN (1-888-736-6236).
Who pays?
Penn pays the majority of the cost for the medical and prescription drug and dental plans. You pay the balance through pre-tax payroll deductions. Note: Your payroll deductions for coverage of a same-sex domestic partner and a partner's children are usually after-tax deductions. For current rates, please consult the rate sheet.
Medical Plan Contact Information
Click here for contact information for Penn's medical plans.